Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Commercial Truck Accident

If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident, it’s crucial to know the common mistakes to avoid in the aftermath. These mistakes can have serious consequences and impact your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Learn more about some of the key mistakes that damage victims’ claims. When you’re ready to discuss your claim in greater detail, call Bailey Javins & Carter at 800-497-0234.

Failing to Report the Accident Immediately

One of the first steps you must take after being in a commercial truck accident is to report it right away. Whether the accident seems minor or major, it’s critical to alert the authorities and get a police report. This report is more than just paperwork; it serves as an official record of what happened, including details about injuries and vehicle damage. If you delay in reporting the accident, you risk losing important evidence that could be essential for your insurance claim or legal action. At that point, the other party has a lot more wiggle room to control the narrative.

Neglecting to Gather Evidence at the Scene

One major error people make after a truck accident is not collecting evidence while still at the scene. It’s vital to document as much as you can right away. Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles involved, snap a photo of the truck driver’s license and insurance card, and if there are any bystanders who saw what happened, make sure to get their contact information too. This step is crucial. 

The photos, along with notes about how the accident occurred, can play a significant role in establishing who was at fault. Additionally, this information can be incredibly important when it comes time to show the extent of your damages during a legal claim. Remember, the scene of the accident offers a wealth of evidence that can support your case. This is your opportunity to collect information that proves your side of the story, so don’t overlook this critical step.

Underestimating the Importance of Medical Attention

After a truck accident, it might seem like a good idea to brush off minor aches or pains, thinking they’re not a big deal. However, this approach could lead to major problems down the line. Sometimes, injuries from accidents don’t show up right away or might seem minor at first but become more serious over time. Going to a doctor or a hospital immediately after the incident ensures that you get a professional evaluation of your condition. Not only is this crucial for your health, but medical records play a vital part in your case. These documents act as evidence of the injuries you sustained from the accident and are instrumental in proving the impact the incident has had on your life.

Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice

Engaging with insurance companies after a commercial truck accident without the guidance of a lawyer can be a risky move. When an accident occurs, insurance adjusters often reach out quickly, appearing helpful at first glance. Their goal, however, is to settle claims for as little as possible, not necessarily to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your losses and injuries. They have experience and tactics designed to save their company money, sometimes at your expense. By speaking to them without legal representation, you might unknowingly share information that could undermine your claim or agree to a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses and future needs.

Accepting a Quick Settlement

In the wake of a commercial truck accident, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to extend an early settlement offer. This might seem appealing, especially in a time of need, but such rapid offers often fall short of covering all your damages and the full impact of your injuries. The truth is, early settlements rarely reflect the true value of your claim, as they may not account for ongoing medical treatment, lost wages, or future expenses related to the accident. Accepting one of these quick deals without a thorough examination by a personal injury lawyer can leave you in a financial bind down the road.

Prepare for Your Truck Accident Claim with Bailey Javins & Carter

Don’t wait any longer to find out if you are owed compensation after a truck accident in Charleston. Set up a time to meet with the team at Bailey Javins & Carter now. Just call us at 800-497-0234 or send us a quick message online.